Addison Ash, a senior captain goalkeeper, delivered outstanding performances throughout the end of her season, capping off her impressive comeback story and earning Athlete of the Week for October 7–12, 2024. However, Ash’s senior year hasn’t unfolded the way she initially imagined. The standout, who has been playing soccer since the age of three, envisioned leading her team on the field, not from the sideline. However, a challenging stress fracture on her right foot early in the summer forced her to play a different role. For Ash, a Butler University commit, the journey back was as much about mental resilience as it was about physical recovery.
“Physically, going from working out and playing 1-2 times a day to not even being able to walk was tough. But the thing that was most difficult for me was the mental side,” Ash said. “There were days I didn’t even want to watch practice, and listening to people talk about it was hard.”
Rather than letting frustration take over, Ash stayed engaged with her team in every way she could, even when she couldn’t play.
“I knew from the beginning I could still make a difference, whether on or off the field,” Ash said. “Ultimately, it’s a team sport, and seeing my team succeed and grow was what I wanted.”
These efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Head Coach Greg Davidson praised Ash for her engaged presence throughout her recovery.
“Addy Ash will go down as the best cheerleader, supporter, and encourager ever— in any sport or program in this school,” Davidson said. “It was unfortunate for her to miss a majority of her senior year, but she continued to lead the team, both in voice and presence.”
Despite the setback, Ash found motivation in the success the team has had over the past few seasons, using their progress as a top ranked team in the state as fuel to stay invested and support her teammates even from the sidelines.
“I knew the past few years we’ve grown so much, and the last thing I would ever want to do is let the team down,” Ash said. “I knew that if I hadn’t taken the time to help the team while I was out, it would have been incredibly difficult to come back.”
Ash’s return to the lineup had an immediate impact. She made her comeback in the 14th game of the season against the Pendleton Heights Arabians on September 23. In the six games she started after recovering from her injury, the team posted four clean sheets, adding to an already strong defense that conceded just six goals throughout the entire season. This dominance wouldn’t be possible without sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Dodge, who stepped up at the start of the season, securing nine clean sheets. This depth at goalkeeper, combined with one of the strongest defenses in the state, made them undeniably one of the toughest teams to score on.
Throughout her recovery, Ash leaned on the support system around her, reminding herself of the importance of staying positive.
“The biggest piece of advice I would give is to continue to find things to be grateful for, to be positive, and to know that injuries are just a page in your story,” Ash said. “Showing up with a good attitude and a smile gives hope to others and helps you. When you’re struggling mentally, lean on the people around you—we all have highs and lows.”
While injuries are challenging, Ash found a silver lining.
“My injury has helped me find more joy in the present,” Ash said. “It lit a fire in me to work harder and grow not only as a soccer player but also as a person. Soccer is just a sport, but it’s also an incredible opportunity, and without my injury, I don’t know if I would have realized that.”
Although the girls soccer team fell short in the Sectional Championship against Noblesville and Ash’s high school soccer journey has come to an end, her impact as a leader, teammate, and student athlete will be felt long after she graduates. Ash consistently demonstrates her commitment to her school and community through her involvement in the Blue Crew leadership program, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Student Athletic Council. Butler University is set to gain not just a talented and determined player, but a passionate person ready to embrace the next chapter of her athletic career.
